Mulk Raj Anand. (Biography of Mulk Raj Anand)

 

Mulk Raj Anand: A Pioneer of Indian English Literature

Introduction (Mulk Raj Anand)

Mulk Raj Anand (1905–2004) was one of India's most prominent English-language novelists, renowned for his realistic portrayal of social issues, particularly the struggles of the poor and marginalized. Alongside Raja Rao and R.K. Narayan, Anand played a crucial role in shaping the genre of the Indian English novel. His works, such as Untouchable (1935) and Coolie (1936), brought attention to caste discrimination and economic hardships, making him a significant literary and social figure.

Early Life and Education(

Mulk Raj Anand)

Birth and Family Background

Mulk Raj Anand was born on December 12, 1905, in Peshawar, British India (now in Pakistan). He belonged to a Hindu family of the Kshatriya caste, which was privileged compared to the lower caste communities he later wrote about. His father worked in the British Indian Army, which exposed Anand to both the colonial mindset and the injustices faced by the lower castes.

Education and Early Influences

Anand completed his early education in Amritsar and later earned an honors degree from Khalsa College, Amritsar, in 1924. He then moved to England for higher studies, enrolling at the University of Cambridge, where he developed a keen interest in literature and philosophy. He later pursued a Ph.D. in Philosophy from University College London.

During his time in London, Anand came into contact with the Bloomsbury Group, which included influential writers like E.M. Forster, Aldous Huxley, and D.H. Lawrence. These interactions significantly influenced his writing style and narrative techniques. His work Conversations in Bloomsbury (1981) later documented his experiences with these literary figures.(Mulk Raj Anan.

Literary Career and Major Works

Debut and Early Novels

Anand made his literary debut with Persian Painting (1930), an academic work. However, his breakthrough came with Untouchable (1935), a novel that depicted the oppression faced by Dalits in Indian society. The novel followed a single day in the life of Bakha, a young sweeper who faces humiliation due to his caste. E.M. Forster wrote the introduction, further boosting the novel’s international recognition.

His second major novel, Coolie (1936), explored the plight of Munni, a poor laborer who suffers under capitalist exploitation. The novel highlighted the oppressive structures of both caste and class in India.

Other Notable Novels

Anand continued to write extensively, producing several novels that focused on social issues:

The Village (1939) – The first novel in a trilogy about a young peasant, Lalu, struggling against feudal oppression.

Across the Black Waters (1940) – A sequel to The Village, narrating Lalu’s experiences as an Indian soldier in World War I.

The Sword and the Sickle (1942) – The final part of the Lalu trilogy, discussing his involvement in India’s independence struggle.

The Big Heart (1945; revised edition 1980) – A novel about industrialization and its impact on traditional artisans.

Autobiographical Series: Seven Ages of Man

Anand planned a seven-volume autobiographical series, but completed only four:

1. Seven Summers (1951) – Covers Anand’s childhood experiences.

2. Morning Face (1968) – Won the Sahitya Akademi Award (1971); focuses on his adolescence.

3. Confession of a Lover (1976) – Explores his early adulthood.

4. The Bubble (1984) – Chronicles his philosophical growth.

Short Stories and Essays

Apart from novels, Anand wrote numerous short stories and critical essays, often addressing social and political themes. Some notable collections include:

The Lost Child and Other Stories (1934) – Focuses on the innocence and struggles of childhood.

The Barber’s Trade Union and Other Stories (1944) – Highlights social injustices through humor and satire.

He also wrote essays on art and culture, including:

The Hindu View of Art (1933)

The Indian Theatre (1950)

Political Activism and Social Contributions

Progressive Writers’ Association

Anand was a founding member of the Progressive Writers’ Association (PWA), established in London in 1935. The PWA, which included writers like Premchand, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and Ismat Chughtai, sought to use literature as a tool for social change.

International Conferences and Activism

Anand participated in major international events, including:

International Congress for the Defence of Culture (Paris, 1935)

World Conference of Intellectuals (Madrid, 1935)

During his 20-year stay in Europe, he became actively involved in India’s independence struggle and anti-fascist movements.

Later Life and Legacy

Return to India and Editorial Work

After India’s independence, Anand returned and contributed significantly to Indian literature and arts. He founded MARG (1946), an art magazine, which became a leading journal on Indian art and culture.

Marriage and Personal Life

Anand married Kathleen Van Gelder, an Englishwoman, but their marriage eventually ended in separation. He later married Shirin Vajifdar, a classical dancer.

Awards and Honors

Anand received several prestigious awards for his literary contributions:

International Peace Prize (1952) – Awarded by the World Peace Council for promoting peace through literature.

Padma Bhushan (1967) – One of India’s highest civilian awards for his contributions to education and literature.

Sahitya Akademi Award (1971) – For Morning Face, part of his autobiographical series.

Death

Mulk Raj Anand passed away on September 28, 2004, in Pune, India, at the age of 98.

Conclusion

Mulk Raj Anand’s literary legacy remains unparalleled in Indian English literature. His novels continue to be studied worldwide for their bold critique of social injustices and their deep humanism. By bringing the voices of the marginalized to the forefront, Anand not only revolutionized Indian literature but also contributed to the larger struggle for equality and justice. His works remain a testament to his commitment to social change and literary excellence.